Bullying takes many different forms, so it’s important that we learn to recognise the signs of bullying in our friends and children. Types of bullying include: 

Verbal

This covers name calling, deliberately ignoring people or making fun of someone. 

Physical

This doesn’t just refer to violence. Whilst hitting, punching and kicking are all examples of physical bullying, repeatedly poking someone when it’s clear they’re not comfortable is also physical bullying. Destroying someone’s belongings also falls under this category.

Cyberbullying

With the growing popularity of social media, this type of bullying has become more prevalent in recent years. It refers to any use of technology to send hurtful or offensive messages or images to another person. This covers laptops, mobiles, Xbox, PlayStation, tablet etc.

Covert

This bullying can be harder to identify and may not seem like a big deal at the time, but covert bullying works to deliberately exclude and isolate others within communities. This can be in the form of lying, spreading rumours, or deliberate exclusion from social opportunities.

Conflict between children is natural, but a repetitive pattern of behaviour using any of the techniques above is classed as bullying. Some of the most common signs that a victim of bullying may exhibit include: 

• Dramatic/irrational mood swings

• Becoming withdrawn

• Missing/damaged property

• Frequent crying

• Sudden and irrational bursts of anger

• Avoiding school/increased claims of illness

• Unexplained physical marks - bruises, cuts etc. 

If you’re concerned about your child being the victim of bullying, ensure you sit down to chat with them and listen carefully. You may then need to contact their school or the police depending on the severity of the circumstances.

Kidscape is a UK charity that is based in London. It was established in 1985 by Michele Elliott, a child psychologist. The charity aims to protect children against harm by equipping them with tools, strategies and mindsets that can help them stay safe.

Amongst their large range of services, Kidscape offer training, community programmes and activity schedules to help young people stay happy and healthy. They’re currently running a Back to School programme with free digital resources to help young people ease back into full time school.

If you’re looking for additional resources to tackle bullying, or you’re wondering how you can support charities that work to create safe environments for our young people, SOCKSHOP have compiled a list of our recommended resources: 

• Bullying UK 

• Preventing Bullying - GOV UK 

• Anti-Bullying Alliance 

• YoungMinds 

• NSPCC